Do you want to learn how to deal with a bratty friend? Well, you’ve come to the right place. Just read on and discover a few tricks that will help you deal with that friend of yours who at first seemed to be nice, but when you got to know them better, you realized that they’re a little bit mean, unpleasant and even bratty. Most of the people who act this way are doing it because they seek attention, but there are a few simple strategies you can use to bring out their positive side instead. Here are a few very helpful tips on how to deal with a bratty friend.:
One of the first things you should do if you want to learn how to deal with a bratty friend is to determine the severity of the problem. Does their behavior really bother you so much? Do you think that it’s something you can overlook in time? Do you consider that maybe you’re only overreacting? Just be honest and see if your friend’s behavior is really a problem for you.
When contemplating the severity, reflect on the frequency and impact of their actions. If this is an occasional slip or a constant state of affairs, it can guide your next steps. Ask yourself how this affects your emotional well-being, does it influence how you enjoy your time together, and consider if this dynamic is repeated in their relationships with others or is it unique to you. A clear perspective on these points can help you determine how to address the issue and whether it's a deal-breaker for the friendship.
Okay, so you have a bratty friend who really annoys you sometimes. Can you live with it? Can you ignore their behavior or does their attitude bother you a lot? Is this something you could look past or can’t you seem to get their bratiness out of your mind when you are around them?
Take a heart-to-heart moment with yourself to truly assess the impact of your friend's behavior on your well-being. If their bratty outbursts are an occasional blip, you might find ways to brush it off. However, if you're constantly stressed or emotionally drained, it may be time to set boundaries. Remember, preserving your mental health should always be a priority, and there's nothing wrong with putting some distance between you and negativity, even if it comes from a friend.
If your friend’s behavior really bothers you so much, then the best thing you can do is to simply confront them to clarify things. You should be prepared though because when they are confronted on something, most people react with hostility and they will most likely deny your accusation. Have patience, keep your cool and explain to them how their behavior is bothering you.
When approaching the conversation, choose a private and comfortable setting. Speak with I-statements to express your feelings without placing blame, such as, "I feel upset when..." rather than "You always do this!" This technique helps keep the discussion from escalating. Remember, the goal is to communicate and find a resolution, not to win an argument. Be open to their point of view as well; they may be unaware of their actions or have their own grievances to share. It's about fostering understanding and mutual respect.
If you want to convince your bratty friend to change their behavior, then set an example and treat others the way you expect to be treated. Make sure that you always practice what you preach, because if there’s a conflict between what you do and what you say, then you will seem insincere, your friend won’t take you seriously and they will not correct their behavior.
Don’t assume that bratiness is something permanent. Just talk to your friend and see what’s wrong (especially if this is not the way they usually behave). They might simply be going through a difficult time, they might be in a stressful situation or they might just be upset over something.
A bratty person may seem selfish and not concerned with other people’s needs. If your friend has become this way lately, but you know that they are a good person at heart, if you want to help them improve their behavior, encourage them to share and to be more altruistic.
I know how easy it is to lose your temper when you’re dealing with a difficult person, but if that person is one of your friends, someone that you care about, then try to stay calm and act more reasonably. Just explain to them why their behavior is bothering you and offer them some solutions to the problem.
Dealing with a bratty friend is not that easy, but if you have patience and if you control your temper, then you will manage to achieve this goal. Have you ever had a bratty friend? How did you deal with them? Do you know any other helpful tips on how to deal with a bratty friend? Please share your thoughts with us in the comments section!